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Emerging Stronger

Author:

Garfinkel + Associates, Inc.

Source:

2009 Annual Report

“Walking across that stage was an unforgettable moment, like a graduation. I saw everyone waving flags and cheering. I pointed to our board and staff, acknowledging the countless hours of hard work from so many people. It was a great feeling.”

Rally 2009 in Portland held special significance for Skagit Land Trust (WA) and Rusty Kuntze, president of its board of directors. The trust had just earned accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. “It was an amazing time. Walking into the workshops, we felt almost like rock stars. People congratulated us and wanted to know all about the process.”

For the trust, accreditation was not a question of if, but when. “We first looked into it when Congress was coming down hard on land trusts and threatening regulations,” said board member Ralph Heft. “Fortunately, the Land Trust Alliance was very proactive about promoting self-governance to minimize federal involvement.”

“We owe it to our constituents to be the best land trust we can be,” added Executive Director Molly Doran. “Accreditation is a major step toward elevating the quality of our work and our integrity.”

In 2008, the trust prepared for accreditation by reviewing and implementing policies to streamline operations. “Our previous boards and founders put us in great shape,” said Molly. “Following Land Trust Standards and Practices [developed by the Land Trust Alliance with the land trust community] from the get-go was essential!”

The Commission reviewed the materials and met with key Skagit Land Trust staff and Ralph. “We had a two-hour conversation about the business of land conservation, and I loved it,” said Molly. “You invest a lot of time and effort, but it saves time and effort going forward. You become stronger, more efficient and more effective.” Rally 2009 was also special because all of the trust’s staff members and half of its board attended.

“Even in this recession, we felt we had to get the whole staff there,” said Ralph. “We pinched pennies, carpooled and shared rooms. Rusty slept on a friend’s couch.”

“It was worth it,” said Rusty. “Along with new strategies and tools, you get re-energized working with like-minded people. Our newest board member learned more about the land trust world in three days than he would’ve learned in a year on his own.”

For Rusty and his colleagues, education and engagement remain priorities for improving the quality of Skagit Land Trust’s work. “We want to emerge from the economic downturn healthier and stronger than before. Our accreditation will give us the confidence to achieve these goals.”

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